Ex-Highland Park police officer admits guilt in drug scheme

Mar. 26, 2013

Written by

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

One of four former Highland Park police officers accused in a scheme to protect and deliver shipments of what they thought was cocaine has admitted his involvement.

Craig Clayton, 55, of Highland Park pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit extortion, according to an FBI news release.

Clayton, who served as an unpaid auxiliary officer, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not provided.

Others accused in the scheme are Anthony Bynum, 29, of Highland Park; Price Montgomery, 38, of Highland Park, and Shawn Williams, 33, of Detroit. The status of their cases was not immediately available.

"Clayton admitted that on January 23, 2013, he drove a car containing what he believed to be two kilograms of cocaine. Clayton brought his police badge and gun to protect the shipment. Another Highland Park Police officer drove a separate car containing what he believed were two additional kilograms of cocaine. Later, Clayton accepted $1,500 in cash from an FBI informant for his work in delivering and protecting the drug shipment," the release said.